The Ecology Center brings a unique strategy to the energy debate, focusing our educational and advocacy efforts on the human health impacts of a dirty energy system. From polluting coal-fired power plants to the dangerous health impacts of climate change, we fight to protect our environment and our communities.

We work to rapidly phase out the use of fossil fuels, stabilize the concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, and ward off the worst impacts of climate change. Our role is to develop innovative municipal clean energy programs and policies; to mobilize diverse stakeholders to participate in public policy debates in Michigan and the Midwest and bring regional expertise to those forums and to help draw the connection between the threat to public health and our current energy economy.

Our energy program seeks to help update our state's energy efficiency and renewable energy policies. We are working to engage health professionals and the voices of health-affected groups in the effort to move away from dirty, health-threatening energy sources, toward those that are cleaner and also better for the state's economy.

In order to protect our health and the natural systems on which we depend, we need to rapidly phase out the use of fossil fuels. Doing so demands sharp reductions in the intensity of energy use by redesigning our buildings, communities, transportation systems, and resource and waste management systems. Renewable technologies must be brought to scale at a pace rivaling the growth of information technologies over the past generation.

We work to promote healthier clean energy solutions by supporting programs that help Michigan property owners fund energy efficiency and renewable energy upgrades, as well as invest in community solar development to overcome high installation costs and increase access to renewable energy solutions.

2017 has seen unprecedented rollbacks on public health and the environment. Ever wonder what you can do? Here are some concrete ways to create positive impact on climate, as well as other critical environmental health issues in 2018.

Today, the Michigan Public Service Commission issued an order that establishes a February conference in its electric vehicle (EV) stakeholder process and invites stakeholder input on pilot programs for the State’s electric utilities

A group of Michigan lawmakers has proposed new legislation that could impact the health and wellness of students across the state. The seven proposed bills target K-12 public school districts to increase protections for indoor air and water quality, site environmental quality...